Safer Spaces Policy

1. Purpose

This Safer Spaces Policy is designed to create and uphold a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone involved in Leyton Boundary Garden. Our garden is a shared community space where people from diverse backgrounds come together. Everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and valued here.

2. Core Principles

Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, identity, or experience. This includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, religion, ability, immigration status, or mental health.
Consent and Boundaries: Always seek consent before touching another person or their belongings (including plants or tools). Respect each other’s physical, emotional, and social boundaries.
Inclusive Communication: Use inclusive, kind, and accessible language. Avoid interrupting, shouting, or talking over others. Be mindful of different communication styles and avoid making assumptions about people’s experiences.
Challenging Oppression: Harassment, discrimination, or abusive behaviour of any kind—whether verbal, physical, or emotional—will not be tolerated. This includes racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, classism, and other forms of prejudice or intimidation.
Accountability and Growth: We acknowledge that mistakes happen. If someone causes harm—intentionally or not—we encourage respectful dialogue and restorative approaches to accountability. This includes listening, learning, apologising, and taking steps to do better.

3. Expected Behaviours

Share tools, resources, and spaces fairly.
Clean up after yourself and leave shared areas tidy.
Be open to feedback and willing to reflect on your actions.
Step back if you’re dominating discussions; step up if your voice is missing.
Respect the natural environment, including plants, animals, and pollinators.
Support the garden’s aims of sustainability, learning about nature and gardening and inclusive participation for all.

4. Unacceptable Behaviours

Harassment, bullying, or intimidation.
Use of slurs or hate speech.
Physical or verbal aggression.
Persistent disruptions or unwanted attention.
Wilful damage to property, plants, or wildlife.

If a person persistently engages in unacceptable behaviour and a resolution cannot be found (see below) then LBG officers may ask an individual or individuals not to attend the garden.

5. Reporting and Resolution

If you witness or experience behaviour that goes against this policy:

Speak Up (if safe): Gently name the issue and ask for a change in behaviour.
Seek Support: Contact the designated garden coordinator if during a gardening group, the facilitator if it is a workshop, or the Designated Safeguarding Officer if on site.
Confidentiality will be respected as far as possible and only breached if there is risk of harm to the person bringing the concern or others.
Restorative Approaches: Wherever appropriate, we aim to use restorative methods to resolve conflict.

6. Review and Commitment

This policy will be reviewed annually in consultation with garden members.

By participating in Leyton Boundary Garden, you agree to uphold the spirit and practice of this Safer Spaces Policy. Let’s grow a community where everyone can thrive.

Leyton Boundary Garden
Safer Spaces Policy: June 2025